"The Creative Will" previews in Miami.

"The Creative Will", the 1993-1994 Project Rembrandt* exhibition, previewed in May at the Bacardi Art Gallery in Miami, with a trimmed-down version of the show to open in New York City this August.

The 31 exhibiting artists share a common bond -- all are professional artists, all have MS, and all are determined to call public attention to the fact that disability is not a synonym for inability.

This is the tenth anniversary of the rounding of Project Rembrandt, a juried biennial exhibition organized by the National MS Society. Participating artists were selected from nearly 200 entries by a distinguished panel: Diane Waldman, senior curator and deputy director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; Paul J. Smith, director emeritus of the American Craft Museum, and artist Lowell Nesbitt, who serves as co-chairman of the program's National Committee.

"Almost every contemporary style and art medium is represented," said Mr. Nesbitt. "The scope is so wide and quality so high, no one could possibly associate these art works with disability unless they knew the program's history."

Artist Leah Finch, of Florida, who turned to ceramic sculpture when MS took the hand control she needed for painting, spoke not just for herself when she said, "Having MS can make a determined person very creative."

Dates so far

2nd Preview: June 15-August 13 Very Special Arts Gallery Washington, DC

Premiere: August 23-September 10 PaineWebber Art Gallery NY NY

"The Creative Will" appeared in Miami with the generous sponsorship of Bacardi Imports, Inc., and support from the Dade County Public Schools, Division of Exceptional Student Education, Metro-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, and the Board of County Commissioners. Three of the participating artists received a grant for workshops and lectures in Miami public schools.